The 9,200sq m training centre will create a combined first team and U23 academy facility

English Premier League club Liverpool FC has confirmed plans to redevelop its academy site in Kirkby and the neighbouring Eddie McArdle community playing fields.

The £50m project, designed by architects KSS, will see the Reds’ first team and academy football training operations and facilities brought together on one site in a new training campus.

The 9,200sq m training centre will create a combined first team and U23 academy facility, each of which has their own identity, along with new first-team pitches.

The facilities will incorporate two gyms, a full-size sports hall, pool, hydrotherapy complex and specialist sports rehabilitation suites. There will also be dedicated TV studios, press conference facilities and office accommodation.

The project also includes the redevelopment of Knowsley Council’s Eddie McArdle community playing fields at Simonswood Lane. Improvements include five upgraded football pitches, new changing rooms and associated facilities including car parking for 110 vehicles, a new pedestrian and cycle pathway, lighting and improved security.

The club has appointed building and civil engineering contractors, McLaughlin & Harvey, to deliver the project, which is expected to complete by mid-2020.

The club has also started the sales process for its existing first-team training ground in Melwood.

"Melwood has played a significant role in Liverpool’s history, but the site is limited in terms of space and is unable to accommodate our new combined training facility," the club said in a statement.

"Outline planning consent has been obtained for the site, which could provide up to 160 much-needed family homes in the area."

Andy Hughes, Liverpool's chief operating officer, added: “This is a major step forward for the club and we’re proud to be investing in the Knowsley area.

"Our aspiration to create a clear pathway for our young players through to the first team is an ambitious project. The site in Kirkby provides the ideal location for the new home of our elite performance centre and state-of-the-art training facility."